Growing Under Lights and Windowsill

[Linda3406]

I have all my orchids on a large picture window that faces southeast, but maybe more east. This particular window is shaded by some trees until about 8 am, then my eave hangs out pretty far, so by 11 the sun coming in is not so bright. SO, I use lights also. I have (4) 2 bulb lights hanging over plants. My question is, how long should I leave the lights on for adequate growing and flowering? The third pic is not really that dark, just can't seem to get this picture lighter.

[Cjcorner]

Phalaenopsis and other low light orchids do not like direct sunlight, bright light even several feet from a window can be adequate. The high light ones are the cattleya and vanda, although there are exceptions in those groups. With lights, the plant should be within a foot or two I believe of a light source. There are others on here that grow under lights and have more exact information. Your location can also decide whether you would need more time as well. Hopefully one of them will be on soon, in the meantime check the papers written by people here. You may find one on this very subject.
Connie

[mycologist]

My arrangement is somewhat similar so I just want to listen in.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Judging by the color of the plants in the first photo, you are giving them plenty of light. I say keep doing what you are doing. Remember to give them total dark time too.

Cheers,
BD

[smartie2000]

looks good to me. I would think a southeast window would give plenty of light without the use of fluroescents....something blocking sunlight outside?

The one thing I have found is that orchids accommodate or have a wide tolerance for different light levels. My professor mentioned this and that they have a narrow tolerance for temperature on that other hand (I would check temps out first if something is dying or not blooming, I find this to be true too...). I have three different cattleyas in sheath/bud right now on a northernly window without supplimentary lighting. Talk about too little light if you follow the books.

Anyway, usually orchids bloom better in high light, many people push them to the higher ends of their limits so you are doing just fine! Usually plants give better displays this way. I only expect one or two blooms on my northerly placed cattleyas while in higher lighting I should get more. you have plenty space for more plants

[Linda3406]

Thanks for the input. I think I will leave well enough alone and see how growth and flowering goes. As you can see, I have my Phals, Ascoc and Catts all under the same lighting. I guess it is just watch and see what happens Huh?